Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Famous artist painting

Famous artist painting When we heard the familiar step and the brisk rat-tat，I rose and wentalong to the box.There were four or five letters，I remember.The last one Ilooked at was addressed in printed characters. "Poirot，"I cried......My voice died away. "It has come?Open it，Hastings.Quickly.Every moment may be needed.Wemust make our plans." I tore open the letter (Poirot for once did not reproach me withuntidiness)and extracted the printed sheet. "Read it，"said Poirot. I read aloud: Poor Mr Poirot，-Not so good at these little criminal matters as youthought yourself，are you?Rather past your prime，perhaps?Let us see if youcan do any better this time.This time it's an easy one.Churston on the30th.Do try and do something about it!It's a bit dull having it all my wonway，you know!Famous artist painting Good hunting.Ever yours，A B C "Churston，"I said，jumping to our owncopy of an A B C."Let's see where it is." "Hastings，"Poirot's voice came sharply and interrupted me."When wasthat letter written?Is there a date on it?" I glanced at the letter in my hand. "Written on the 27th，"I announced. "Did I hear you aright，Hastings?Did he give the date of the murder asthe 30th?" "That's right.Let me see，that's-""Bon Dieu，Hastings-do you notrealise?Today is the 30th." His eloquent hand pointed to the calendar on the wall.I caught up thedaily paper to confirm it. "But why-how-"I stammered.Famous artist painting